Ekiti Election Would Be Different From Anambra Polls – Says INEC In New Directives

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State would be different from the one it conducted in Anambra State seven months ago.

Addressing officials and ad-hoc staff ahead of the exercise, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the Ekiti Governorship polls would be the first to be conducted under the new Electoral Act 2022.

Yakubu who spoke from Abuja yesterday charged the electoral officials to ensure that no political party or candidate was accorded any undue advantage over another.

He warned that the officials must uphold the commission’s Code of Conduct, display its usual sense of responsibility, and professionalism and firmly resist any unethical behaviour during the June 18 Ekiti governorship election.

Yakubu noted that from June 2021 when INEC released the timetable and schedule of activities for the poll, it had collectively implemented several activities and taken every step to guarantee a free, fair, credible and inclusive process.

He said: “This election is coming seven months after the successful conduct of the Anambra State Governorship Election in November 2021, but it will be historic because it will be the first governorship election to be conducted based on the provisions of the new Electoral Act 2022.

“At the stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, I assured the political parties, their flagbearers and the good people of Ekiti State that the choice of who becomes the state’s next governor is entirely in the hands of the voters.

“I said so confidently because I strongly believe in the commitment, efficiency, and determination of all of you, our dedicated staff, to ensure a level-playing field on Election Day, which is just 48 hours away,” the INEC boss added.